Neither Real Salt Lake (5-8-6, 23 Points) nor the Colorado Rapids (3-9-6, 18 Points) are in the playoff discussion right now in the Western Conference, and if either wants to go on a run, winning the Rocky Mountain Cup in this rivalry duel on Saturday will be crucial.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Rapids are the heavy favorites in this match, which isn't something that you can say often for one of the two teams in the MLS averaging a point or fewer per match played this year. Sure, they're only -105, which more or less gives the insinuation that it's a 50/50 proposition whether Colorado wins this or if Real Salt Lake gets a result, but being a favorite is rare ground for the Rapids nowadays.
The total is a bit low at 2.5 (under -135), though that shouldn't be surprising considering the offensive struggles and lack of creativity both sides have had this year.
KEY INJURIES
Chris Schuler could be back in the RSL back line in this match, as he is recovering from a knee injury and is back in training. Justen Glad is very likely out for this duel though, as is Jamison Olave.
Colorado has both Axel Sjoberg and Juan Ramiez back in training, though both have been sitting out due to lower body injuries in recent fixtures.
Real will also be without Demar Phillips, who was called up to the Jamaican national team for Gold Cup duties, while his usual replacement, Abdoulie Mansally is out for this match due to suspension from yellow card accumulation.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"At the end of the day, we were looking for quality and we did a lot of repetitions. I think what the coaches are trying to say is that we're close to that performance, but the final third or that final pass is what we're lacking right now, a bit of quality at the end – an end product." – RSL midfielder Luke Mulholland on the team's training as the team goes in search for more goals
RECENT FORM
It should be noted that the Rapids really have not been plundered by international teams for the Gold Cup, which puts them in good shape to make a little bit of a run. They did beat Vancouver 2-1 last week in a vital match for their potential playoff push.
Real Salt Lake knows that it isn't in great form right now. The team has managed just two points from its last three matches, and a draw last week at home against Orlando City just wasn't good enough considering the fact that the Lions played much of that fixture with just 10 men following Kaka's straight red card.
TALKING TOTALS
A string of four consecutive unders for Colorado started back on June 7 against this same Real Salt Lake side at Rio Tinto Stadium. However, that streak came to a close last week with the three-goal performance with the Whitecaps.
Though finishing has been a problem at times for the men from the Beehive State, they haven't been playing strictly under games as you would have expected. Real Salt Lake has evenly split its totals since the beginning of May.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Real is in bad shape as we see it right now. The team really doesn't have an answer at left back, and outside of Sebastian Jaime, there isn't a player in attack who is worth a heck of a lot.
The Rapids had failed to win six straight games before beating the Whitecaps, but that parlayed with the fact that they haven't really been harmed by the Gold Cup could play in their hands in this one.
Go with Colorado at home to take three more vital points and to make things a little bit tighter at the bottom of the Western Conference.
Colorado 1, Real Salt Lake 0
BookMaker has live MLS odds for every clash of the season. BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. The Colorado Rapids opened as -105 favorites. The first offering of the total came in at 2.5 (under -135). Live wagering during the match offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer match now!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between the Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2015, at 9:00 p.m. at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO. The game will be broadcast live on MLS Live.
